Winter illuminations are the top attraction in Japan during winter, and numbers of light-up events are held across the country during the season. The capital city of western Japan, Osaka is one of the best cities to enjoy winter illuminations in Japan and several spectacular events are available including Universal Studios Japan and the German style Christmas Market.

In this article, I would like to introduce some of best winter illuminations in Osaka which you shouldn’t miss out 2024-2025 winter! So let’s check them out 🙂

*Please note that this article contains affiliate links.

1. Festival of the Lights in Osaka 2024

Festival of the Lights in Osaka 2024 (大阪・光の饗宴2024) is one of the most spectacular illumination events in Japan that takes place in several locations in Osaka City for 90 days (3 November 2024 to 31 January 2025). The event is composed of over 20 small and large light-ups, and the two main illumination events are “Mido-suji Illumination” with the spectacular illumination street and “OSAKA Hikari-Renaissance”with the projection mapping and light painting.

-Osaka Hikari Renaissance (14 to 25 December 2024)

The spectacular art festival of lights held at Osaka City Central Public Hall and Nakanoshima Park

-Midosuji Illumination (3 November to 31 December 2024)

Mido-suji Illumination features the 4 km long avenue lightened up by blue and yellow LED lights.

Map: http://bit.ly/2CNpFaZ

Date: 3 November 2024 to 31 January 2025

Hours: 17:00～22:00

Website: http://www.hikari-kyoen.com/ (Japanese)

2. Osaka Castle Illuminage

Osaka Castle Illuminage (大阪城イルミナージュ) is one of the most unique winter illuminations in Japan that features the spectacular light-up and Japanese historical treasures. The illumination is held at Nishinomaru Garden in Osaka Castle, one of the most important castles in Japan and the top tourist site in Osaka City.

The 150 years history of Japan from Edo Period to Meiji Period will be displayed with over 3 million colourful LED lights on the 30 m long picture scroll. The event also features food and drink vendors, and photo spots.

Map: http://bit.ly/2Cl1IqA

Access: 10 mins walk from Tanimachi 4-chome Station

Date: 15 November 2024 to 16 February 2025

Hours: 17:00～22:00

Fee: 2,000 yens for adults, 1,000 yens for kids (Purchase tickets)

3. Osaka Christmas Market

Osaka Christmas Market (大阪クリスマスマーケット) will be held for the first time in Tennoji area, Osaka City during the Christmas season. The event will take place at the Tenshiba area of Tennoji Park near Tennoji Station.

The authentic German Christmas Market will be offering various kinds of Christmas food and drinks, as well as special decoration and the jolly winter illumination. Enjoy the delicious European style Christmas food with joyful Christmas illumination in the heart of the city!

Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/w5ghWbQf5tTKSWqY7

Access: short walk from Tennoji

Date: 29 November to 25 December 2024

Hours: 11:00~21:00

4. Universal Studios Japan

Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is one of the best amusement parks in the whole world, and along with Tokyo Disney Resort, it’s the most visited amusement facility in Japan. Several seasonal events are held at USJ through the year, and the Christmas event is one of park’s most popular annual events. The event features colourful Christmas decoration and art of lights, and several special events including a new live show .

Map: http://bit.ly/2ylBMZb

Access: short walk from Universal City Station

Date: 20 November 2024 to 5 January 2025

▶ Book your USJ Official e-tickets here!!

Related article: Universal Studios Japan Christmas

5. Kaiyukan Illumination

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan (海遊館) is a popular aquarium located at the bay area of Osaka City. It’s one of the largest aquarium in the world which displays a large number of sea creatures including a whale shark.

The special winter illumination is held at Kaiyukan every winter, and it takes place at several locations in and outside of the aquarium. Kaiyukan is one of the top sightseeing spots in Osaka City, so why don’t you grab a chance to visit there while the special events are held only this time of year?? The illumination is displayed until late February next year.

Map: http://bit.ly/2EqAhyf

Access: short walk from Osakako Station

Date: mid November late January

Hours: 17:00~21:15

Fee: Free (admission fee is required inside the aquarium)

▶ Book e-tickets to Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

6. GRAND FRONT OSAKA

GRAND FRONT OSAKA (グランフロント大阪) is a massive commercial complex near Osaka Station that consists of over 260 shops, restaurants, cafes, hotel, office, theatre and more. The Christmas event “GRAND WISH CHRISTMAS” is held annually at the complex from early November to late December.

GRAND WISH CHRISTMAS celebrate Grand Front Osaka’s 10th anniversary, offering special contents at several locations with the theme of “Infinity Lights” including the 10m tall Christmas tree with kaleidoscope motif, and a champagne gold illumination decorating the tree-lined avenue at the square outside.

Map: http://bit.ly/2Jrjz1B

Access: short walk from JR Osaka Station

Date: 7 November to 25 December 2024

Hours: Shops 10:00~21:00, Restaurants 11:00~23:00 *Opening hours may differ by shop
(Illumination from 17:00~)

7. Hirakata Park

Hirakata Park (ひらかたパーク) is a popular amusement park located in Hirakata City, Osaka Prefecture. The park offers a large selection of rides and attractions suitable for small kids to thrill seekers. The park is hosting an annual winter illumination event from 2 November 2024 to 6 April 2025.

With the theme of “Music”, the event features several spectacular and dreamy illuminations such including the 10 m tall Christmas tree with mysterious compasses, the Lantern Carnival Square, the Flower Garden of Lights, and more.

Map: http://bit.ly/2PqKhvb

Access: short walk from Hirakata Koen Station

Illumination Date: 11 November 2024 to 6 April 2025

Please check opening hours and closed days from the official website: http://www.hirakatapark.co.jp/timetables/

▶ Book admission tickets to Hirakata Park!

8. Illumi Night Banpaku

Illumin Night Banpaku (イルミナイト万博) is an illumination event held at Expo Commemorative Park in Osaka. The event is taking place for 16 days in total from late November to late December. The iconic “Tower of the Sun” will be illuminated with various designs, and a 7m tall Christmas tree will also appear near the statue.

Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/kgFgFim6cxiwp7S59

Access: Banpaku Kinen Koen Station

Date: 29, 30 November, 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 28, 29, 30 December

Hours: 17:00 to 21:00

9. Abeno Harukas

NAKED CITY LIGHT FANTASIA 2024 -Go Around OSAKA- will be held at Harukas 300, the observation deck on the tallest skyscraper in Osaka, Abeno Harukas. It’s a collaboration event with NAKED, INC., a creative company producing entire spaces, designing experiences for people through video, installations, projection mapping, and more.

A new type of projection mapping show combines realistic night views with light art, and it’s held with a different theme and production every year. Taking advantage of the unique feature of Harukas 300, which allows you to move around 360 degrees, Osaka’s famous sites will appear in each direction using projection mapping, including Osaka Castle, Dotonbori and the tombs.

Map: http://bit.ly/2OqVv0I

Access: Direct access from Kintetsu Osaka-Abenobashi Station or short walk from Tennoji Station

Date: 13 November 2024 to 31 March 2025

Hours: 17:00~22:00

Admission to Observation Deck : 2,000 yen (adult), 1,200 yen (junior-high and high school students), 700 yen (primary school students), 500 yen (children above 4 year-old)

▶ Book e-tickets to Harukas 300 Observatory Now!

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Thanks for reading! I hope you have enjoyed my Osaka Illumination Guide! If you wanna check out more information about the winter illuminations in Japan this winter, here are some more useful articles to read!

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